Veterans Day 2011 Ceremony Recognizes the Importance of Service

Veterans were honored in front of area schoolchildren as well as the community on Friday, Nov. 11, when Pittsburg State University held the 2011 Veterans Day Ceremony at the PSU Veterans Memorial.

Held on a brisk morning, the event was emceed by Josh Shay, a veteran of the U.S. Army and a development officer with the Office of University Development. Tom Vacca, an Army reservist and member of the Pittsburg Fire Department, was keynote speaker.

In addition to the many veterans from all units of the military, students from several area elementary schools were also special guests - providing music and listening attentively as Vacca spoke about the importance of service. Veterans had an opportunity to stand in recognition as the melodies from their branches of service were played one by one.

Additionally this year, five cadets from the PSU ROTC program gave their pledge of commitment to the U.S. Army. Te ceremony also included the dedication of several new pavers, bringing the total to more than 3,000.

The next ceremony to be held at the Veterans Memorial will be on Memorial Day, 2012. For more information, contact the Office of University Advancement at 620-235-4762.

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"Pittsburg State University honors our sons and daughters who answered the call of the nation. We are ever grateful for their many sacrifices in peace and war that freedom would prevail."

— Inscription engraved on the Arch of the Veterans Memorial Amphitheater
Pittsburg State University